Bad boys have a lot to learn

IF DISGRACED cyclist Lance Armstrong wants to make a comeback he should channel his energies into a global speaking tour on why it doesn't pay to be a drug cheat.

Furthermore, he must be banned for life from competition, whether it be riding or triathlons. Authorities must not waive on this decision.

I remember watching an investigative journalism program some time ago when the doping allegations were first being aired, where Armstrong repeatedly, arrogantly and even aggressively denied any wrongdoing.

Since then, taxpayers at the other side of the globe have spent a lot of money on US federal attorneys to bring down cycling's biggest name during a protracted investigation.

Now, Armstrong somehow thinks a tell-all to Oprah will go some way to fixing things.

He fooled his loved ones and the greater cycling fraternity, and has now left the sport with a major credibility problem.

Perhaps the greatest betrayal is to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which he founded in 1997 after overcoming his own cancer battle.

Rising Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic has a long way to go before he can genuinely win the hearts of all Aussie tennis fans who, lets face it, haven't got many options to cheer on at the moment.

Tomic, whose family migrated to Queensland in 1996 when Tomic was a toddler, has endless potential, is blessed with a well- rounded game and has youth on his side.

However, his chip on the shoulder mentality, ability to attract the attention of police over traffic and other minor matters, and clashes with tennis authorities, will fail to endear him to many tennis folk.

Lleyton Hewitt, who is now emerging as one of the best tennis commentators, and to a lesser extent Mark Philippoussis, were past examples of Aussie tennis champs who took too long to get all Australians behind them.

Not everyone has to be a Pat Rafter, the sort of bloke every mum wants for their daughter, but Tomic, hopefully sooner than later, realises it's not only your tennis ability that attracts widespread public support.

This year could be a defining year for the young tennis ace.

Why has one-day cricket become a part-time job for Australian players?

It wasn't that long ago that our cricketers didn't miss a match unless their leg was in plaster. The same names appeared in most if not every ODI.

Now we rotate them for no apparent reason, selecting a B-grade side so they can have a day off. What for? To make more TV commercials?

A genuine injury spell, or occasionally resting the quick bowlers is understandable.